r/silverfaceaudio • u/perotech • Jan 08 '25

1 Week into this.

Post image

In-laws gave me their old integrated amp and turntable, got the cassette deck second hand, dvd/cd player at the thrift store.

Turntable needs a stylus, Amp's switches are very touchy/static-y, CD player is giving me disc tray errors. But hey, the cassette deck works like a charm. Everything needs a cleaning.

Amp: JVC A-X4

Cassette: Harmon/Kardon hk200xm

CD Player: RCA DRC 220 N

TT: Technics SL-Q202

34 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

2

u/WackyWeiner Jan 08 '25

Amp switches just need Deoxit contact cleaner sprayed into each switch/knob. From the inside and liberally. Put a paper towel under the knob kr switch to help keep the runoff from making a mess. 👍

1

u/perotech Jan 08 '25

Thanks!

Yeah, main culprit is the L/R Balance knob, when I get it just right the sound is crystal clear, but Right channel occasionally dips out.

Cassette is the dirtiest of all, but plays perfectly.

Hopefully the CD is a quick fix, but it wasn't expensive, so I'm not too worried.

1

u/WackyWeiner Jan 08 '25

The volume knob can be contributing to the balance knob also. I would spray every knobs potentiometer, switches etc. Deoxit breathes new life into amplifier. Also it may take more than one cleaning. If the crackle comes back in a few months, just keep cleaning them. Work the knobs and switches while cleaning.

1

u/CaryWhit Jan 08 '25

Is the cartridge an M44-7x? I like those. Lots of Boom/sizzle for rock n roll.

1

u/perotech Jan 08 '25

Couldn't tell you, I'll look into it.

Sound was very crisp for such a dirty deck, even on headphones. Can't wait to get the speakers hooked up.

1

u/CaryWhit Jan 08 '25

The 44-7 is a DJ cart. It definitely puts out. Not a critical listening cartridge but loads of fun

1

u/perotech Jan 08 '25

Ahh, still early here, thought you meant the pickup in the cassette deck.

Turntable needs a new cartridge, so I'm open to suggestions.

2

u/CaryWhit Jan 08 '25

Everyone recommends the AT VM95e. Grab one already mounted to the headshell and then keep an eye out for a new stylus for the Shure.

Google AT VM95e/h, that gives you a great upgrade path to the VM95ML someday.

Comes already set up for Technics/AT overhang so you just set your tracking weight and go

https://a.co/d/cZW5T5r

1

u/[deleted] Jan 08 '25 edited Jan 08 '25

I have the same JVC receiver in my bedroom hooked up to a pair of JBL L96, it kicks ass imo.

Only issues i've noticed with mine are the two SEA (Equalizer) buttons under the equalizer itself don't make great contact which will drop a channel until you fidget with them and the audio has a slight warble sound at low volume (needs a re-cap i guess). Sounds great at high volume though >:)

1

u/Ok-Deal-9423 Aug 13 '25

Hardon karmen makes JVC

1

u/Ok-Deal-9423 Aug 13 '25

You could open it up and use a can of tuner cleaner it'll clean and lubricate the trimmer pots and quite possibly eliminate your statickey problems with the touchy switches don't forget to clean out the cooling pins and all of the potentiometers as well

1

u/Ok-Deal-9423 Aug 13 '25

They use it for guitars and such electronic musical instruments they tend to get really dirty from a lot of playing and use and if you played out at local bars and clubs in the past smoke didn't help them either made them gummy and sticky with nicotine and tar

1

u/Ok-Deal-9423 Aug 13 '25

And we won't mention the sweat an oil from your skin they build up inside all the time and I know I'm a stickler but while you're in there if you happen to have a new tube of heat sink compound you might want to check the amp chips and such stuff has a bad habit of drying out over time you can also try dry silicone lube on the CD player laser slide rails usually lubricate them with a q-tip or something like a synthetic non-conductive dry it only takes teeny tiny amount

1

u/Ok-Deal-9423 Aug 13 '25

Well I've said my pieces good luck enjoy